Pfc. Dennis J. Miller of La Salle, Michigan, was born April 1, 1983. Dennis was a 2001 graduate of Mason High School. He loved hunting with his father and uncles, and was an avid golfer. Denny was obsessed with Michael Jackson. He was a big fan of his and wasn't afraid to say so.

Dennis attended Monroe County Community College where he was a history major. While attending MCCC, he became friends with Dr. Jim DeVries, Professor of History at MCCC.
Dennis withdrew from his courses to enlist in the Army. He planned to return to the college to finish his degree and become a history teacher after he completed his term of service.

Dennis graduated from Basic Training and completed M1 tank training in September 2003 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was stationed in Korea and was able to come home on leave for two weeks in June. On September 8, 2004, Dennis reported to Iraq. On November 10, 2004, at age 21, Dennis was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his M1A1 Abrams tank in Ramadi, Iraq.

At the request of Dr. DeVries, the Board of MCCC granted Dennis alumni status at its January 24, 2005 meeting. On Tuesday, March 29, 2005 upon the recommendation of MCCC President Dr. David E. Nixon, the Board passed a Resolution of Commendation recognizing Pfc. Miller's actions as demonstrating distinguished service above self and honored him by granting a posthumous Associate of Science degree. This is the highest honor the MCCC Board of Trustees can grant to an individual like Pfc. Dennis Miller, whose extraordinary actions serve as an example for students and others. In honor of his commitment to education, the family and friends of Dennis have established the Dennis J. Miller Jr. Memorial Scholarship to assist students majoring in history at MCCC.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.